It's terrifying, right? That feeling of being on the edge of a major life decision is like nothing else.
It's equal parts exhilarating and horrifying. In one minute, you're imagining all the amazing things that big step could bring, and the next you're pulling your hair out over every little thing that could possibly go wrong.
Maybe you're there right now. Is it time to move out to that city? Buy that home? Start a family?
Whatever that decision might be, stepping into it can be scary and the financial side of it can feel like the most overwhelming part. But these moments also make for the perfect opportunity to check in on where you are financially and make sure you're set up for whatever comes next.
Kirsten Genter gets it. She's a financial adviser at Zurich Assure, and regularly works with people navigating these moments.
She told Mamamia the five questions to ask yourself before making any big life decision:
1. What do I actually want this to achieve?
Before jumping into that big decision, Kirsten said it's helpful to get clear on what exactly it is you want it to achieve.
For example, if you're planning to switch careers because you want to earn more money in the future, what do you actually want that to look like in practice?
Kirsten suggests setting some clear goals. Perhaps in three years' time, the goal will be to reach your current salary in the new role. Then, in five years' time, it will be to reach 20 per cent more.
Having something concrete to work towards — and tick off when you get there — can make the process feel less overwhelming.
Part of getting clear on that big decision is also understanding where your money is actually going and whether it's working for you. Kirsten says getting a handle on your cash flow, knowing what's coming in and what's going out, gives you the awareness and control to make better decisions.
From there, Kirsten said aligning your spending with your values — whether that's travel, supporting local businesses or saving for a home — "makes budgeting feel less like a chore and more like a fulfilling choice."
2. What could go wrong?
As an optimist at heart, Kirsten knows this one sounds a little pessimistic, but she says understanding what could go wrong when making a big life decision is important.
It doesn't mean sending yourself into a spiral about all the reasons why it could be a terrible decision but simply means preparing yourself for those moments when life — as it often does — throws unexpected things your way.
"For example, if I purchase an investment property and interest rates start going up, can I actually still afford to keep that property? Or, if I have a baby and I can't get childcare, do we have enough spare cash flow to keep us going for longer?" Kirsten said.
3. Do I have the right protection in place?
When life does go sideways — like an injury, where you unexpectedly aren't able to work — having the right protection in place can make all the difference. This is where insurance comes into play.
"When making big life changes, don't leave insurance as an afterthought," Kirsten said.
She says having the right insurance in place for your specific circumstances can be hugely beneficial and is something worth sorting out before a big, often unexpected change happens — not after.
That protection may look like life insurance, income protection insurance or another type of cover. Zurich Assure has a range of insurance advice options, across a number of insurance providers, with consultations being completely complimentary — their qualified guidance is provided with no extra cost and no obligation, just clear, helpful advice. It can give you the peace of mind needed for whatever stage of life you might be navigating.
An example Kirsten suggested: someone who has just bought their first home may want to consider that they have the right life insurance coverage to make sure their spouse or family aren't left with a big debt if they were to pass away.
Zurich life insurance can help ensure those loved ones don't have to worry about paying bills in the event of serious illness, injury or death.
Because while no one likes to imagine needing to make a claim, that's exactly when life insurance matters most. It's not just about receiving a payment — it's about having the financial breathing room to focus on recovery, keep your household running and to take one thing off your mental load during an already overwhelming time.
In 2025 alone, Zurich paid more than $1.3 billion in life insurance claims to 8,479 customers across Australia. But arguably, what matters more is their people-first approach that ensures everyone is treated with compassion and empathy. They're committed to keeping customers informed every step of the way and providing helpful solutions swiftly and efficiently.
Meanwhile, Zurich income protection can act as a financial safety net — providing regular income if you can't work for a period of time due to illness or injury.
The key here, according to Kirsten, is to ensure you have the most fitting plan in place for your specific circumstances, and to reassess that protection every two to three years. Makes sense, as what you need at 27 and single looks very different to what you need at 45 with a mortgage and kids.
In terms of finding the right cover, that's where professional financial advice can come in. When Kirsten meets with a client, she says she will often assess their current financial situation before helping them understand what kind of cover best suits their needs.
4. What's my backup plan if things go south?
In the scenario when life takes an off-route you didn't anticipate — which we all know usually happens exactly when we're least expecting it — Kirsten said it's helpful to always have a backup plan up your sleeve.
Let's say you've decided to take on a loan to renovate your house. What happens if perhaps you get sick and can't work for six months?
"Consider having the right protections in place, like income protection insurance, to make sure that you can still maintain that debt, keep paying the bills, keep raising the children and maintain your lifestyle even if you can't work over an extended period." Kirsten said.
5. Who can help me make this decision?
When it comes to big life decisions, Kirsten said you don't have to go it alone. She suggests asking yourself who might be able to help you make it.
"I am all for getting advice and that can be from a range of people, different professions and resources," Kirsten said.
"For example, if you're buying an investment property, have you spoken to a really good local real estate agent? They might be able to provide you with valuable insights."
That includes knowing when to seek professional financial advice.
"A qualified financial adviser can help you plan for your future and guide you on reaching all of those personal and financial goals," Kirsten said.
"Small changes, like smart budgeting, can make a difference."
"I always suggest you think about future you," Kirsten said. "It's too easy to focus on the here and now, especially with the rising cost of living and financial pressure. But even if it's just a little, make sure you're also looking after future you."
And for anyone feeling like they're behind, Kirsten's message is simple.
"Never compare yourself to others. Everyone's journey is unique and it doesn't matter where anyone else is compared to you," she said.
"You haven't missed any opportunities. The great thing about money is that even small changes, like smart budgeting, can make a big difference. It's never too late to work towards a better financial future for yourself."
Source: Gabrielle Oehlmann for Mamamia
Insurance products issued by Zurich Australia Limited ABN 92 000 010 195, AFSL 232510 (Zurich). Please read Zurich's Financial Services Guide for information about the financial services they offer and the financial products they relate to as well as how they are remunerated.
Any general advice in this article has been provided by Zurich Assure Australia Pty Limited ABN 58 657 804 736, AFSL 538863 (Zurich Assure). Zurich Assure provides insurance advice. This information does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider these factors and the appropriateness of the information to you. Consider seeking advice specific to your individual circumstances from an appropriate professional. You should also consider any relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination. Please read Zurich Assure's Financial Services Guide for information about the financial services they offer and the financial products they relate to as well as how they are remunerated.
Zurich and Zurich Assure are related parties and are part of the Zurich Financial Services Australia Group.
